Selasetur Íslands

On the remote Vatnsnes Peninsula, Selasetur Íslands is a unique blend of science, community, and storytelling. While Iceland lacks formal marine mammal rescue infrastructure, this center has carved out a vital role in seal conservation through grassroots research and public engagement.

Its flagship initiative, the Great Seal Count, invites volunteers from around the world to participate in a coordinated harbor seal census each summer. Armed with binoculars and data sheets, participants walk designated coastal stretches during low tide, recording seal sightings that feed into long-term population monitoring. The event is as much about connection as it is about science, where locals offer coffee and cake, and researchers share insights into seal ecology and the challenges facing Iceland’s marine mammals.

Beyond the count, Selasetur serves as a hub for seal-related research, collaborating with the Freshwater Research Institute and other partners to study seal distribution, behavior, and human impact. The center also plays a key role in promoting sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to observe seals responsibly and learn about their ecological significance.

Selasetur embodies a model of conservation that thrives on participation and place-based knowledge. It’s not just a research station, it’s a living dialogue between science and community.